Imagine running a logistics company that has dozens of delivery vehicles on the road, every day. Without real-time tracking, one late delivery can lead to customer complaints, financial losses, and a tarnished reputation.
Real-time tracking software can change the game for your business by providing constant updates, optimizing routes, and boosting overall efficiency.
But what should you look for in real-time tracking software?
Here are 26 must-have features that ensure seamless, productive operations.
Core real-time tracking features
Real-time tracking software should be equipped with fundamental tools that provide accurate and timely data.
Let’s explore some essential core features.
1. Real-time location tracking
To gain the most out of tracking software, having features that offer real-time visibility is crucial.
These features could include GPS devices, live maps, or software to give you historical tracking of past deliveries.
2. GPS integration
A must-have for any tracking software.
GPS integration ensures precise location data, allowing businesses to monitor the movement of vehicles or assets at any given moment.
In short: GPS tracking is crucial as it forms the backbone of any reliable tracking system.
3.Live map updates
Live map updates keep businesses in the loop by showing the real-time position of their vehicles or assets.
This helps logistics managers to make timely decisions as issues arise, or to locate a vehicle quick if something goes wrong.
4. Historical tracking and playback data
Historical tracking and playback allow businesses to review past routes and location data. This aids in better analysis and record-keeping for compliance or operational insights.
It could also be useful down line when you need to resolve delivery disputes from customers.
Real-time tracking features for efficiency
Efficiency is at the core of any successful business operation.
So, when looking for real-time tracking software to use in your business, it would need to include efficiency-focused features to truly make a difference.
5. Route optimization
Route optimization ensures that routes are planned in the most efficient way, saving both time and fuel.
If routes are optimized, delivery costs can be reduced by up to 20%. This includes fuel savings!
According to Locate2u founder and CEO, Steve Orenstein, optimizing routes can mean a 10% reduction in the distance traveled over time.
But there’s so much more to route optimization than just getting a parcel from the warehouse to the customer’s front door.
You should also consider features for multi-stop routing, dynamic rerouting, drop-off time calculations.
6. Multi-stop routing
For businesses with multiple delivery or service stops, this feature is absolutely essential. It optimizes the sequence of stops, in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
Real-world application: UPS uses its proprietary routing software called ORION (On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation) to optimize the sequence of stops.
This system helps the drivers to plan their routes with multiple stops while minimizing fuel consumption and saving on the overall delivery times.
7. Dynamic rerouting
Unexpected traffic or road closures can throw a wrench into delivery schedules. Dynamic rerouting adjusts planned routes in real-time, avoiding potential delays.
Real-world application: FedEx leverages real-time traffic data and dynamic rerouting algorithms to adjust delivery routes as conditions change.
This allows their drivers to bypass traffic jams or road closures, ensuring timely deliveries even during peak seasons.
8. Estimated time of arrival (ETA) calculation
Providing customers with accurate ETAs, updated in real-time based on current conditions, enhances reliability and customer trust.
Real-world application: Amazon’s delivery service provides customers with real-time updates and accurate ETAs, which adapt based on current traffic and weather conditions.
Real-time features for customer satisfaction
Staying connected with customers and providing timely updates is a major advantage for businesses.
Remember, customers have busy schedules too, and sitting around all day waiting for a parcel is hardly ideal.
Sending them up-to-date information will go a long way in building trust. The two most popular ways to do this with message notifications or live tracking links.
9. SMS and email alerts
Customizable alerts via SMS and email notify customers when their delivery is on the way. This reduces the need for those pesky ‘where’s my delivery?!’ calls.
10. Live tracking links for customers
Providing a live tracking link lets customers view their delivery in real-time, giving them peace of mind and improving their overall experience.
How to send customers a live tracking link: A step-by-step guide
Real-time features for safety and compliance
Maintaining safety and compliance is not just good practice; it’s necessary.
Why? Because monitoring driver behavior can prevent unsafe practices and ensure better road safety.
Consider software with features like speed tracking, geofencing, and driver behavior analysis.
11. Speed tracking and alerts
Built-in speed tracking helps ensure drivers adhere to speed limits and sends alerts when limits are exceeded.
Real-world application: DHL incorporates speed tracking and alerts in its fleet management system to monitor and control driver speeds.
If a driver exceeds the speed limit, an alert is sent to notify both the driver and the fleet manager, promoting safe driving practices.
12. Driver behavior analysis
Analyzing driver behavior, including hard braking, sharp acceleration, and long idling times, helps fleet managers identify risky patterns and provide corrective measures.
Real-world application: Waste Management Technical Services uses telematics software that tracks harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and idling time.
This data helps fleet managers identify risky driving habits and implement training programs to improve safety and efficiency.
13. Geofencing
Setting up geofences helps businesses monitor when vehicles enter or exit specific areas, adding a layer of security and operational insight.
Real-world application: Coca-Cola uses geofencing to maintain virtual boundaries, distribution centers, and delivery zones. When a truck enters or exits these areas, an alert is triggered.
This helps with tracking delivery progress, maintaining security, and ensuring drivers stay within assigned routes.
Real-time features for operational efficiency
Operational efficiency features streamline logistics and support data-driven decision-making. You need software with comprehensive reporting tools to stay on top of things.
These features should include customizable reports and performance analytics, since detailed reporting is essential for identifying areas for improvement.
The above mentioned features will greatly assist your office employees, but don’t forget about your drivers!
They might need a driver app to make the process easier for them. Keep in mind that they also might find themselves in an area with no phone coverage…
14. Customizable reports
Generating reports tailored to specific needs allows managers to focus on relevant metrics and gain actionable insights.
Real-world application: FedEx uses customizable reporting in its logistics operations to tailor data analysis and reporting to specific needs.
The company’s fleet managers can generate detailed reports on fuel usage, delivery times, and driver performance.
15. Performance analytics
Performance analytics tools help businesses track KPIs, measure success, and fine-tune operations for maximum productivity.
Real-world application: UPS uses performance analysis tools to monitor operational metrics such as delivery speed and driver efficiency.
With this software, logistics managers can identify and fix bottlenecks that might be costing the company money.
16. Mobile driver app
Providing drivers with a mobile app means they have all the necessary information on the go.
This reduces failed deliveries due to incorrect information, and will also minimize the time and costs they incur to call the office every time they need confirmation.
With a driver app, they can receive updates and optimized routes on their smartphones.
Real-world application: Locate2u’s driver app enables drivers to receive real-time updates, access their delivery schedules, and manage routes effectively.
Drivers can also update their delivery status and communicate with dispatchers, ensuring seamless delivery management.
17. Offline functionality
A robust mobile app should offer offline functionality so that essential operations can continue without an active internet connection.
So, even when they find themselves without a phone signal, drivers can still access route data and delivery information
This helps maintain delivery efficiency and reliability.
Real-time features for enhanced security measures
Protecting assets and data should be non-negotiable. Not only is it vital to protect your business from online criminals, it also builds trust with your clients.
READ: What do customers really want? Companies that prioritize data protection
Ensuring that your fleet and assets are secure from theft and unauthorized use can save businesses from costly incidents.
18. Asset tracking
Keeping tabs on valuable equipment and goods can help prevent theft and improve recovery chances.
Real-world application: Caterpillar uses advanced asset tracking to prevent theft of heavy equipment on construction sites.
Their system includes GPS tracking and tamper alerts to safeguard valuable assets and reduce potential losses.
19. Real-time alerts for unauthorized use
Receive alerts if vehicles are used outside of approved schedules or without authorization.
Construction firms, for example, heavily rely on this feature, since helping to protect assets also ensures compliance with company policies.
20. Secure data encryption
Protecting sensitive data with secure encryption means communication between devices and servers is safe from breaches and online criminals.
Real-world application: Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer use secure data encryption in their logistics tracking software to protect sensitive data related to the transportation of medical supplies.
This ensures compliance with regulations and protects customer data from potential breaches.
Here’s how Locate2u client Patient Transport Services Queensland (PTSQ) does it.
Real-time features for integration capabilities
Seamless integration with other business systems improves workflow and reduces manual data entry.
This is often overlooked or pushed aside when businesses want to save on costs. But choosing software that works well with existing tools is crucial for efficient operation.
21. ERP and CRM integration
Integrating with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems allows data to flow seamlessly.
This is vital if you want to improve overall productivity within your business.
Real-world application: PepsiCo integrates its fleet tracking system with its ERP and CRM platforms to streamline operations.
This integration allows for real-time tracking data to be incorporated into customer relationship management tools for improved service and coordination.
Real-time tracking features for user-friendly support
A user-friendly experience can make or break or operations! You need to look for software that is easy to adopt.
It might seem like a hassle at first, but trust us, it will be more effective in the long run.
Why? Because if the software is complex and difficult to navigate, it won’t be used to its full potential. This could lead to frustration among your employees and your customers.
Look for software systems that provide intuitive dashboards, multi-language support features, and 24/7 customer support capabilities.
- 22. Intuitive dashboard: An intuitive dashboard simplifies tracking and management, saving time and reducing training needs.
- 23. Multi-language support: Supporting multiple languages ensures that diverse teams can use the software effectively.
- 24. Around-the-clock customer support: Access to round-the-clock customer support helps resolve issues quickly and keeps operations running smoothly.
Future-proof real-time tracking features
To stay ahead, businesses need software that can grow and adapt with them. If your software can’t scale with your business, it will be costly to upgrade further down the line.
25. Customizable scalability options
Choose software that offers scalable options tailored to your evolving needs. It should be able to handle growth as your business expands.
26. AI and machine learning capabilities
You also need to look for software that incorporates AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning.
Why? Because these emerging technologies provide predictive analytics and even smarter route planning.
Real-world application: Walmart uses AI and machine learning in its supply chain to enhance route optimization, predict delays, and adjust schedules in real-time.
ALSO READ: Walmart accelerates usage of AI tech
Final takeaways on choosing real-time tracking software
Selecting the right real-time tracking software involves more than checking off a list of features.
It’s about choosing a solution that meets your current needs, scales with your growth, and provides robust support and integration options.
Explore solutions like Locate2u, which offers a comprehensive suite of features to optimize your tracking and logistics operations.
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About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
